6 Reasons Maytag Washer Door Locked Flashing!

By - Rajib Ahmed

Updated -

Maytag is a very reliable brand of washers. But you might face some issues with these washers from time to time.

The possibilities are endless, from locked lid light flashings to a couple of other errors.

However, identifying the problem is one step towards resolving any such issue you might be experiencing.

Many users have complained about the Maytag washer’s lid flashing. What could be the cause?

Some common reasons why your Maytag washers lid might be flashing could be as a result of; your Maytag washer having a faulty door lock, overloaded washers, power outage in your home, your Maytag having a bad or malfunctioning control board, faulty lock switches, and improper use of detergent on wash cycles.

It’s always important to determine the cause of the flashing lid lock light to fix the issue correctly. 

So in this article, we’ll be doing just that, and by the end, you might just be able to run a proper diagnosis on your washer and fix the problem by yourself without a technician.

6 Reasons Why Your Maytag Washer Door Lock Light is Flashing

Here’s a list of possible reasons why your Maytag washer lock light can flash:

#1. Faulty Door Lock

6 Reasons Maytag Washer Door Locked Flashing

If the door locks on your Maytag washer are faulty or broken, the door lock light may flash, and the door will be unable to open. 

Also, if your Maytag washer detects an issue with the door lock, the door lock light may flash as a warning.

This flashing can happen when you’ve not moved the lid lock light into the lock position, the lock motor can`t be powered, or the lid isn’t closed properly. 

Thus, a faulty door lock can prevent the washer from functioning correctly and cause the door lock light to flash.

In some cases, simply repairing or replacing the broken door lock can fix the issue and stop the flashing light.

#2. Overloaded Washer 

An overloaded washer can cause a Maytag washer door lock light to flash because the washer’s sensors detect that the load is too heavy.

That can lead to a malfunction in the machine’s operation. Therefore, if you overload your washer, the door may not be able to close all the way, leading to the door lock light flashing.

If the machine’s sensors detect that the load is too heavy, it may not be able to properly balance the load, which can cause the machine to shake, vibrate, or stop working altogether. 

This overload can trigger the door lock light to flash as a safety mechanism to prevent injury or damage to the machine.

Additionally, an overloaded machine can cause strain on the door lock mechanism itself,  which can cause the machine to malfunction and trigger the door lock light to flash.

You can fix this by removing some of the items from the washer and trying to close the door again.

#3. Power Outage

A power outage can cause the Maytag washer door lock light to flash if it disrupts the normal operation of the washer’s electronic control board.

In some cases, the control board may need to be reset to resolve the issue. Additionally, if you press any buttons while the dishwasher control is locked, the light may flash three times. 

This safety feature prevents accidental button presses while the washer is in operation.

Other reasons for resetting a washer are if the door isn’t completely closed or if the lock striker that presses down on the lid switch may be out of place. 

So it’s always a good idea to consult your washer’s manual or contact a professional for assistance if you are experiencing issues with your washer.

You can fix this by unplugging the washer and waiting a few minutes before plugging it back in.

#4. Malfunctioning Control Board 

A malfunctioning control board in a Maytag washer is unable to detect if the lid lock is engaged, causing the door lock light to flash. 

This results in the washing machine not starting as it is unable to recognize that the lid is locked and secure. 

In this case, you’ll need to replace the control board.

#5. Faulty Lock Switch 

A faulty lock switch can cause the Maytag washer lock light to flash because the machine isn’t able to detect that the lid is properly closed and locked. 

When the lid isn’t locked, the machine will not function as a safety precaution to prevent any accidents.

The lock switch is responsible for signaling the washing machine’s control board that the lid is securely closed and that it needs to be functioning correctly for the machine to work. 

When the lock switch is faulty, it’s not able to send the signal to the control board, and as a result, the lock light will flash, indicating an issue with locking the door.

#6. Improper Use of Detergent 

If you use too much detergent or the wrong type of detergent, it can cause the door lock light to flash. 

This happens when a piece of lint or washing machine detergent has built up over time and gets stuck in the lid lock mechanism.

Which then prevents the washer’s door from properly latching and causing continuous flashing of the lid lock. 

Thus, it’s important to use only mild soaps or cleaners when cleaning the external surfaces of your washer. 

Also, always ensure you properly measure the detergent and use the correct amount and type of detergent according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to Fix a Flashing Maytag Washer Door Lock Light?

Here are some easy fixes to your Maytag washing machine lock light issue:

#1. Faulty Lock on Door Fix

If you’re experiencing a Maytag washer lock light issue caused by a faulty door, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem. 

First, make sure that the door is securely closed and latched. If the door isn’t closing properly, it may be due to a damaged latch or striker, which you’ll need to repair or replace

If the door is securely closed and the lock light is still on, the problem could be a faulty door lock switch or actuator.

These components can also cause the washer not to start when you close the door. 

To fix this issue, you can try replacing the door lock switch or actuator, but it is best to seek the assistance of a professional technician for this repair. 

Another thing you can try is to reset the washer by unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. 

Sometimes, this can reset the control board and clear any error codes that may be causing the lock light to stay on. 

If none of these solutions work, it may be best to contact Maytag customer service or a professional appliance repair technician for further assistance.

#2. Overloaded Washer Fix

When a Maytag washer is overloaded, it can cause the OL (Overload) error code to appear, indicating that the tub is too hard to move, and this can cause other issues as well. 

So, to fix the issue caused by an overloaded washer, you should follow these steps:

  1. Stop the washer immediately: If the OL error code appears on display, immediately turn off the washer to prevent any further damage.
  2. Remove some items: Open the washer and remove some of the items to reduce the load. Make sure not to overload the washer in the future.
  3. Check for unbalanced load: Check if the remaining load inside the washer is distributed evenly. If it is not, redistribute the load manually.
  4. Restart the washer: Close and restart the washer, selecting the appropriate wash cycle and settings for the remaining load.
  5. Monitor the washer: Keep an eye on the washer during the cycle to ensure that it is operating properly and not overloaded again.

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, you may need to contact a professional technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

#3. Power Outage Fix 

A power outage can cause electronic appliances and machines to behave unexpectedly or malfunction. 

So, if you’re experiencing a Maytag washer lock light issue after a power outage, you may need to reset the machine. 

Here’s how to reset a Maytag washer:

  1. Unplug the washer’s power cord from the electrical outlet.
  2. Wait for 1 minute.
  3. Plug the washer’s power cord back into the electrical outlet.
  4. Pen and close the washer’s lid six times within 12 seconds. You should hear a clicking sound from the lid switch when you open and close the lid each time.
  5. The washer should now be reset.

If the lock light issue persists after resetting the washer, consult a repair technician or contact Maytag customer service.

#4. Fixing Malfunctioning Control Board

To fix a Maytag washer door lock light issue caused by a malfunctioning control board, you will likely need to replace the control board. 

This issue is common with Maytag washers; replacing the control board is usually the best solution. 

Here are the general steps you can follow to fix it:

  1. Unplug your washer from the power source.
  2. Locate the control board on your Maytag washer. It is usually located behind the control panel.
  3. Remove the control panel from the washer. This may involve removing screws, so consult the user manual or a repair guide for your specific model.
  4. Disconnect the wire harnesses and connectors from the old control board.
  5. Remove the old control board from the washer.
  6. Install the new control board, and reconnect the wire harnesses and connectors.
  7. Reattach the control panel and any screws that were removed.
  8. Plug the washer back in and test the door lock to ensure it functions properly.

It is important to note that if you do not have experience repairing appliances, it may be best to call a professional repair service to do the job to avoid potential risks.

#5. Fix for Faulty Lock Switch

To fix a Maytag washer door lock light issue caused by a faulty switch, you may follow the steps below:

  1. Unplug the washer from the power source.
  2. Locate the lid lock switch assembly near the door latch on the top of the washer.
  3. Inspect the switch assembly for any visible damage or wear, and ensure that all connections are secure.
  4. Test your switch for continuity using the multimeter. If there isn’t continuity, replace the switch. 
  5. Order a replacement switch from a reputable retailer or manufacturer, ensuring you have the correct model and part number for your specific washer.
  6. Once you receive the replacement switch, install it by plugging in the new one and securing it with screws.
  7. Reconnect any wiring or connections that were disconnected during the replacement process.
  8. Test the washer to ensure that the lid lock light issue is resolved.

If you’re uncomfortable with performing these steps yourself, it’s recommended to seek the assistance of a professional technician.

#6. Detergent Use for Maytag Washer

Using too much or the wrong type of detergent could lead to excess sudsing, which could affect the performance of the washer and cause error codes to appear.

So, its generally recommended to use High Efficiency (HE) detergent in Maytag washing machines as they are designed to use less water than traditional washing machines.

Here’s a tabular representation of the common effects of high-efficiency and regular detergent on your Maytag washing machine.

High Efficiency (HE) DetergentRegular Detergent
Uses less waterLonger cycle times
High performance due to compatibilityExcessive suds
Prevent excessive sud build-upReduced rinsing performance
Less detergent useComponent failures
Reduced energy consumptionWear and tear in your clothing

Nevertheless, if you suspect that detergent might be the cause of your issue, try running the washer through a cycle without any detergent.

Also, using a smaller amount of a different type of detergent could help with resolving the issue. 

You may also want to check the owner’s manual or contact Maytag customer support for more specific guidance.

How Do You Get a Maytag Washer out of Lock Mode?

A lock mode on a Maytag washer is a feature that prevents unwanted changes or operations and can be useful when washing clothes to avoid interruptions or safety measures. 

To enter the control lock mode on a Maytag washer, one should touch and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds, which will lock the control. 

If the button is held down for each second, the display will count down before the control is locked. 

To unlock the control, touch and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds again. 

Here are the steps for getting out of lock mode on your Maytag washer:

  1. Verify that the control lock mode is on by checking the control panel for a lock icon. If the lock icon is illuminated, the control lock mode is on.
  2. Press and hold the “Control Lock” button on the control panel for three seconds. This should turn off the control lock mode.
  3. Verify that the control panel is now working properly by pressing the different buttons and verifying that they are functioning as expected.

If the above steps don’t work, you can try unplugging your washer or turning off the circuit breaker for a few minutes before plugging it back in and turning on the circuit breaker. 

This step can reset the control panel and may remove the control lock mode.

It’s worth noting that the washer must be empty, and the control must be in an Off state before locking or unlocking the control. 

So, if the control lock is engaged, the washer will not start until you lock it.

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